Pictures via Getty Images
Netflix is gearing up for another romantic comedy to add to its growing library. The Black List script Voicemails for Isabelle will be adapted into a new feature film for the streamer, with production due to begin shortly, with an expected 2026 premiere in mind. Here’s what we know so far.
The project has been in the works in some form for quite some time. It was first officially unveiled back in 2019, albeit not with Netflix attached at the time, with Hailee Steinfeld being the top-level talent cited to play the lead role. Back then, Sony carried the project based on a spec script by actress/writer Leah McKendrick, with Sharon Maguire directing. Following that initial announcement, the script was eventually included in 2019 The Black List, the annual list of the best unproduced scripts.
An early version of the script can still be found online and reviewed by the brilliant resource ScriptShadow, who also interviewed McKendrick following the sale. Since then, the project stalled, and McKendrick moved on to other projects like M.F.A., Scrambled, and the upcoming film I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Now, the project has moved to Netflix and is gearing up to begin filming with Leah McKendrick set to direct. Escape Artists is producing with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Becky Sanderman, and Steve Tisch.
Picture Credit: Getty Images
What’s the story about? Here’s an expanded synopsis for the upcoming film:
“Jill and her sister Isabelle have always been close, despite Isabelle’s lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. When Isabelle dies just after Jill’s 29th birthday, Jill is left heartbroken and directionless. Back in LA, where she’s pursuing her dream of becoming a TV writer and finding “a boyfriend for life,” Jill copes by leaving voicemails for Isabelle—funny, raw updates on her chaotic love life. But what Jill doesn’t know is that Isabelle’s number has been reassigned… to Austin, a real estate agent in New York. Amused and intrigued, Austin becomes hooked on Jill’s stories, especially her drama with charming British dating coach Chad. When Chad ghosts her, Austin impulsively flies to LA to meet Jill. They hit it off—but Jill keeps leaving voicemails, not knowing Austin is the one listening. Now Austin must decide whether to tell Jill the truth or risk losing the woman he’s accidentally fallen for.”
As we heavily hinted when we did our Summer 2025 production start list last week, we mentioned that a new romantic comedy would be gearing up for production from July 10th through September 10th, 2025. This is the project, and it’ll be filming in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Who’s starring in Voicemails for Isabelle for Netflix?
As first revealed by Deadline, the project is being helmed by Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson with Deutch leading.
Deutch is best known for her standout performances in films like Set It Up and Zombieland: Double Tap, as well as her role in Netflix’s The Politician and her Broadway debut in Our Town.
Robinson, expected to play the role of Chad, is best known for his lead role as Simon Spier in the groundbreaking teen romance Love, Simon, and for starring in Jurassic World and the FX miniseries A Teacher.
More to come on this as and when we get it! Are you looking forward to Voicemails for Isabelle? Let us know in the comments down below.
